Police shared meal and a beer after death of indigenous man in custody on Palm Island

The officer in charge of an investigation into an Aboriginal death in custody has admitted it was inappropriate to share a meal and beer with the dead man's arresting officer.

Detective Inspector Warren Webber was sent to Palm Island to investigate the death of Mulrunji Doomadgee on the local watchhouse floor in November 2004.

He has told a Federal Court trial he had no reason to suspect arresting officer Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley had been involved in the death after the investigation's first day, despite forensic officers finding a bruise above the eye of the dead man.

Det Insp Webber said he, Sen Sgt Hurley and other officers mainly talked about sporting memorabilia hanging on the walls.

"Sitting in the witness box today, do you accept that was not an ideal state of affairs or an appropriate state of affairs?" counsel for the state of Queensland Mark Hinson QC asked in Townsville today.

"I agree to that," Det Insp Webber said.

Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley. (AAP)

A preliminary coroner's report into Mulrunji's death sparked rioting on the island, during which the police station and Sen Sgt Hurley's home were burnt to the ground.

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The Federal Court class action, launched by jailed rioter Lex Wotton on behalf of Palm Islanders, alleges police actions before, during and after the riots, including an emergency declaration, were racially discriminatory.

Det Insp Webber, who was in Townsville when rioting erupted, told the court he made the declaration after hearing police lives could be at risk.

Once on the island, he went with other police to the local hospital where "tense" officers had formed a line out the front.

He said community members were "milling about".

Some were holding sticks and clubs, and shouting abuse, he said.

Justice Debra Mortimer will decide whether the state of Queensland should pay compensation to the community, which has also asked for an apology.